Positional lock for foot pedals of an elliptical exercise machine

ABSTRACT

An elliptical exercise machine includes a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal attached to a frame to travel along reciprocating paths. A resistance mechanism is also integrated into the elliptical exercise machine to resist movement of the first and second foot pedals along the reciprocating paths. A locking mechanism is arranged to secure the first and second foot pedals in place and prevent them from moving when the locking mechanism is in a secured mode. The locking mechanism is in communication with a locking input mechanism and is arranged to switch between the secured mode and an operational mode that allows the first and second foot pedals to travel in response to user input received through the locking input mechanism.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional Patent Application No.61/922,690 titled “Positional Lock for Foot Pedals of an EllipticalExercise Machine” filed Dec. 31, 2013. This application is hereinincorporated by reference for all that it discloses.

BACKGROUND

Aerobic exercise is a popular form of exercise that improves one'scardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and providing otherbenefits to the human body. Aerobic exercise generally involves lowintensity physical exertion over a long duration of time. Typically, thehuman body can adequately supply enough oxygen to meet the body'sdemands at the intensity levels involved with aerobic exercise. Popularforms of aerobic exercise include running, jogging, swimming, andcycling among other types of aerobic exercise. In contrast, anaerobicexercise often involves high intensity exercises over a short durationof time. Popular forms of aerobic exercise include strength training andshort distance running.

Many choose to perform aerobic exercises indoors, such as in a gym ortheir home. Often, a user will use an aerobic exercise machine to havean aerobic workout indoors. One such type of aerobic exercise machine isan elliptical, which often includes foot supports that move inreciprocating directions when moved by the feet of a user. Often, thefoot supports will be mechanically linked to arm levers that can be heldby the user during the workout. The arm levers and foot supports movetogether and collectively provide resistance against the user's motionduring the user's workout. Other popular exercise machines that allow auser to perform aerobic exercises indoors include treadmills, rowingmachines, stepper machines, and stationary bikes to name a few.

One type of elliptical exercise machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.8,025,610 issued to Yao-jen Chang. In this reference, a safety devicefor use with an elliptical exercise machine includes a holder frame, amovable member, a locking member, and an operating member. The holderframe is fixedly mounted in the elliptical exercise machine at apredetermined selected location. The movable member is movably mountedin the elliptical exercise machine. The locking member is movablymounted in the holder frame in order to selectively lock the movablemember from moving. The operating member is operable to move the lockingmember. A user can lock the movable member of the elliptical exercisemachine after each exercise. When the user uses the elliptical exercisemachine again and steps on the pedals of the elliptical exercise machinebefore starting to exercise, the user will not accidentally fall fromthe elliptical exercise machine due to an unexpected displacement of thecenter of gravity. Other types of elliptical exercise machines aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,901 issued to Sulevi Saarinen and WIPOPatent Publication No. WO/2008/138124 to Robert Dickie. Each of thesereferences is herein incorporated by reference for all that theycontain.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the invention, an elliptical exercise machine includesa frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine includesa first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached to the frameto travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayfurther include a resistance mechanism integrated into the ellipticalexercise machine to resist movement of the first foot pedal and thesecond foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayfurther include a locking or securing mechanism arranged to secure thefirst foot pedal and the second foot pedal in place and prevent themfrom moving when the locking or securing mechanism is in a secured mode.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism islocated proximate a console of the elliptical exercise machine.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism isarranged to switch between the secured mode and an operational modewhere the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are released totravel in response to user input received through the locking inputmechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the first foot pedal is mechanicallylinked to a first arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanicallylinked to a second arm support wherein the first arm support and thesecond arm support move in a reciprocating motion as the first footpedal and the second foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism isintegrated into the resistance mechanism such that in response to theuser input to be in a secured mode, the resistance mechanism exerts aresistance sufficient to secure the first foot pedal and the second footpedal in position.

In one aspect of the invention, the resistance mechanism is incommunication with a resistance input mechanism that is in communicationwith the resistance mechanism to apply an amount of resistance to thetravel of the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal.

In one aspect of the invention, the resistance input mechanism isindependent of the locking input mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanism isarranged to exert a magnetic resistance sufficient to secure the firstfoot pedal and the second foot pedal in position.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanismincludes a feature that is arranged to move into and interlock with amechanical linkage that mechanically connects the first foot pedal andthe second foot pedal.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking or securing mechanismincludes a feature that is arranged to move into and interlock with aflywheel.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine adefault mode of the locking or securing mechanism is the secured mode.

In one aspect of the invention, may further include that the lockinginput mechanism is a button.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a storagememory medium and a processor wherein the storage memory mediumcomprises programmed instructions that, when executed by the processor,control when the locking mechanism is in the secured mode or in theoperational mode.

In one aspect of the invention, the programmed instructions, whenexecuted by the processor, cause the locking mechanism to switch to thesecured mode in response to a predetermined period of non-use.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machinecomprises a second locking mechanism that provides a secondary lockarranged to prevent the first foot pedal and the second foot pedals fromtraveling.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking input mechanism locatedproximate the console is located near the console, on the console, in anarm guard, on handgrips, on an upper portion of the frame of theelliptical exercise machine, or combinations thereof.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayinclude a frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayfurther include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movablyattached to the frame to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayfurther include a resistance mechanism integrated into the ellipticalexercise machine to resist movement of the first foot pedal and thesecond foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayfurther include a locking mechanism arranged to prevent the first footpedal and the second foot pedal from moving when the locking mechanismis in a secured mode.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is incommunication with a locking input mechanism that is integrated into theelliptical exercise machine located at a remote location from theresistance mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism include a storagememory medium and a processor wherein the storage memory mediumcomprises programmed instructions that, when executed by the processor,switch the locking mechanism between the secured mode and an operationalmode where the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal are releasedto travel in response to user input received through the locking inputmechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is integrated intothe resistance mechanism such that in response to the user input to bein a secured mode, the resistance mechanism exerts a resistancesufficient to secure the first foot pedal and the second foot pedals inposition.

In one aspect of the invention, the resistance mechanism is incommunication with a resistance input mechanism in communication withthe resistance mechanism to apply an amount of resistance to the travelof the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal where the resistanceinput mechanism is independent of the locking input mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayfurther include programmed instructions that cause the locking mechanismto switch to a secured mode in response to a predetermined period ofnon-use.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayinclude a frame.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayfurther include a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movablyattached to the frame to travel along reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayfurther include a resistance mechanism integrated into the ellipticalexercise machine to resist movement of the first foot pedal and thesecond foot pedal along the reciprocating paths.

In one aspect of the invention, the elliptical exercise machine mayfurther include a locking mechanism arranged to prevent the first footpedal and the second foot pedal from moving when the locking mechanismis in a secured mode.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is incommunication with a locking input mechanism that is integrated into theelliptical exercise machine and located in a control module to controlmechanisms of the elliptical exercise machine.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism includes a storagememory medium and a processor wherein the storage memory mediumcomprises programmed instructions that, when executed by the processor,are arranged to switch the locking mechanism between the secured modeand an operational mode where the first foot pedals and the second footpedal are released to travel in response to user input received throughthe locking input mechanism.

In one aspect of the invention, the programmed instructions are furthercause the locking mechanism to switch to a secured mode in response to apredetermined period of non-use.

In one aspect of the invention, the locking mechanism is integrated intothe resistance mechanism such that in response to the user input to bein a secured mode, the resistance mechanism exerts a resistancesufficient to secure the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal inposition.

Any of the aspects of the invention detailed above may be combined withany other aspect of the invention detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the presentapparatus and are a part of the specification. The illustratedembodiments are merely examples of the present apparatus and do notlimit the scope thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of an exercisemachine in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of an example of a lockingmechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 3b illustrates a cross sectional view of an example of a lockingmechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an example of a display in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of an example of a locking system inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an activation method for activating alocking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a releasing method for releasing alocking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective cut away view of an alternativeexample of a locking mechanism in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative example ofa locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar,but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An elliptical exercise machine may include foot pedals that aremechanically linked together. Such foot pedals are often mechanicallylinked to arm supports that move with the foot pedals of the elliptical.Thus, when any of either the foot pedals or either of the arm supportsmove, each of the foot pedals and each of the arm supports will move. Asa result, when a user moves any of these components, each of thecomponents will move together. For example, a user may place a foot onone of the pedals to move the other foot pedal and the arm supports.When the user puts his entire weight on the foot pedal, which generallyoccurs when a user is getting on or off of the elliptical machine, theuser's weight will be loaded to the single foot pedal. As a result, theloaded foot pedal will move about a crank arm to a lowest azimuthalposition about a rotational axis of the crank assembly. Consequently,the other foot pedal will move to the highest azimuthal position aboutthe rotational axis of the crank assembly when the foot pedals areconnected together through the crank assembly. Likewise, the armsupports will also move based on the movement of the foot pedals. A useroften gets on or off of the elliptical by first placing all of his orher weight onto a single foot pedal. As a result, the position of thefoot pedals and arm supports will change as described above.

The principles described in the present disclosure lock the foot pedalsin place so that the foot pedals do not move as the user mounts ordismounts the elliptical. By keeping the position of the foot pedalsfixed in place during the mounting and dismounting of the ellipticalmachine, the user has additional stability when mounting and dismountingthe elliptical exercise machine. The locking mechanism is located withina convenient arm's reach for the user without the user having to benddown to secure or release the foot pedals. For example, a button, alever, a touch pad, or another user input mechanism to control thelocking mechanism can be incorporated into a control module of theelliptical machine that the user can reach while standing in an uprightposition on the elliptical machine.

For example, if the locking mechanism includes a pin that moves into orout of a receptacle formed in a flywheel of the elliptical, the userdoes not have to bend down to reach the pin at the flywheel after theuser is standing of the foot pedals ready to exercise when the usercontrols the locking mechanism through the user input mechanism.Likewise, the user will not have to reach down to the flywheel to movethe pin into a position to secure the flywheel in place beforedismounting when the user controls the locking mechanism through theuser input mechanism. The principles described herein enable the user tosecure or release the position of the foot pedals while the user isstanding on the foot pedals in an upright position because the user cancontrol the locking mechanism at a location that is remote from theresistance mechanism of the elliptical but may be within a convenientreach of the user's arms while the user stands on the foot pedals. Thus,the user can first step onto the elliptical and send a command to unlockthe position of the foot pedals before beginning to exercise withouthaving the reach down to manually unlock the flywheel. Further, the usercan also stop exercising and send a command to secure the position ofthe foot pedals before the user dismounts through the user inputmechanism. The user has the ability to send such commands in a stableupright position and does not have to rely on another person to secureor release the foot pedals.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “located at aremote location from the resistance mechanism” refers to a location ofany appropriate component or assembly that is either not in the vicinityof the resistance mechanism or a component that does not directly makephysical contact the components of the resistance mechanism. Such acomponent may make indirect contact with the resistance mechanism bymaking physical contact with part of mechanical linkage that moves withthe resistance mechanism. An example of a remote location includes alocation on a control module, an arm support, a cross bar, or anotherfeature that is within a convenient arm's reach of a user that isstanding in an upright position on the elliptical's foot pedals when theresistance mechanism is located on a flywheel that is positioned near orunder the user's knees. Further examples of the remote location includesensors that are incorporated into the control module, the foot pedals,the tracks, other parts of the mechanical linkage, other parts of theelliptical exercise machine, or combinations thereof. Such sensors mayinclude cameras, load cells, accelerometers, distance sensors, othertypes of sensors, or combinations thereof. Such sensors may be used todetermine a condition of the elliptical exercise machine and/or theuser. For example, the sensors may determine whether the user is gettingon or off the elliptical exercise machine, whether the user's weight isappropriately distributed across both foot pedals, whether the user isadjusting weight between the foot pedals, whether there has been apredetermined period of inactivity, other conditions, or combinationsthereof. In some examples, the remote location is spaced more than onefoot (0.3 meters) away from the resistance mechanism.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “resistance mechanism”includes those components that directly and selectively interact tocause an added degree of resistance during the user's workout. Forexample, a resistance mechanism may include a flywheel when theelliptical exercise machine has components that can adjustably imposeresistance to the movement of the flywheel, such as imposing a magneticforce on the flywheel to restrict the flywheel's rotation. The flywheelis included in the resistance mechanism when other components interactwith the flywheel to directly resist the flywheel's movement. Forexample, braking pads, tensioning elements, fan blades, or othercomponents can be used to directly to resist the movement of theflywheel. In such examples, both the flywheel and the componentsinteracting to adjustably resist the movement of the flywheel areincluded as part of the resistance mechanism.

Particularly, with reference to the figures, FIGS. 1-2 depict an exampleof an elliptical exercise machine 10, such as an elliptical machine. Theelliptical exercise machine 10 includes a base 12 that is attached to asupport frame 14 at a first connection 46 and a second connection 48. Alower portion 15 of the support frame 14 includes a housing 16 thatsupports a first flywheel 18 and a second flywheel 20. The firstflywheel 18 and the second flywheel 20 are attached to one anotherthrough a crank assembly 22. The crank assembly 22 includes a crank arm24 that is attached to a first roller shaft 26 that is connected to thefirst flywheel 18 on a first end and attached to a second roller shaft30 that is connected to the second flywheel 20 at a second end.

The first shaft 26 is attached to an underside of a first track 33 thatsupports a first foot pedal 34, and the second shaft 30 is attached toan underside of a second track 35 that supports a second foot pedal 36.The crank assembly 22 is shaped such that the first shaft 26 and thesecond shaft 30 follow reciprocating paths. Consequently, the first footpedal 34 follows the path of the first shaft 26, and the second footpedal 36 follows the path of the second shaft 30. As a user stands onthe first foot pedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36 for a workout, theuser's feet will also follow the reciprocating paths of the first footpedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36 respectively. In some examples,the first foot pedal 34 is slideably arranged along the length of thefirst track 33. Likewise, the second foot pedal 36 is slideably arrangedalong the length of the second track 35. Thus, in some examples, thefirst foot pedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36 are movable in multipledirections. For example, the foot pedals 34, 36 may move down the lengthof the tracks and/or with the reciprocating paths traveled by the firstshaft 26 and the second shaft 30. In some examples, a stopping mechanismis incorporated into the elliptical exercise machine 10 to stop thefirst foot pedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36 from sliding along thelengths of the first track 33 and the second track 35 respectively.

The first foot pedal 34 is connected to a first arm support 38 through afirst mechanical linkage 40, and the second foot pedal 36 is connectedto a second arm support 42 through a second mechanical linkage 44. Thefirst arm support 38 is connected to the support frame 14 at a firstpivot connection, and the second arm support 42 is connected to thesupport frame 14 at a second pivot connection. In the example of FIGS.1-2, the first mechanical linkage 40 includes a first bottom section 50of the first arm support 38 being connected to a first far end 52 of thefirst track 33 at a first joint 54. Likewise, the second mechanicallinkage 44 includes a second bottom section 56 of the second arm support42 being connected to a second far end 58 of the second track 35 at asecond joint 60.

A control module 62 is connected to a cross bar 64 that connects a firstpost 66 of the support frame 14 to a second post 68 of the support frame14. The control module 62 may include multiple buttons 70, a display 72,a cooling vent, a speaker, another device, or combinations thereof. Thecontrol module 62 may also include a locking input mechanism 74 thatallows the user to control a locking mechanism 75 that locks the firstfoot pedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36 in position. Also, thecontrol module 62 can include a resistance input mechanism 76 thatallows the user to control how much resistance is applied to themovement of the first foot pedal 34, the second foot pedal 36, the firstarm support 38, and the second arm support 42. The control module 62 mayalso provide the user with an ability to control other mechanisms of theelliptical exercise machine 10. For example, the control module 62 maybe used to control a level of a climate control, to control an inclineof the first track 33 and the second track 35, to control speakervolume, to select a preprogrammed workout, to control entertainmentthrough the speakers of the display 72 of the control module 62, tomonitor a health parameter of the user during a workout, to communicatewith a remote trainer or computer, to control other mechanisms, orcombinations thereof.

While this example has been described with reference to a locking inputmechanism 74 located on the console, the locking input mechanism 74 maybe located at any appropriate location in accordance with the principlesdescribed herein. For example, the locking input mechanism 74 may belocated proximate the console, near the console, on the console, in anarm guard, on handgrips, on an upper portion of a frame of theelliptical exercise machine, or combinations thereof.

The locking mechanism 75 may be located at any location that can lockthe movement of the first foot pedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36.For example, the locking mechanism 75 can be located adjacent to thefirst flywheel 18 and/or the second flywheel 20. The locking mechanism75 may include a member that is arranged to move towards and interlockwith the flywheels or otherwise prevent the flywheels from rotating.Such a member may include a pin, a screw, a compression member, a hook,a clamp, another type of member, or combinations thereof. In otherexamples, the locking mechanism 75 may include a magnetic resistancedevice that can impose a magnetic resistance strong enough to preventthe movement of the flywheels even when an entire weight of a user isloaded to either the first foot pedal 34 or the second foot pedal 36.Such a magnetic resistance device may also be used to provide magneticresistance to the flywheels during a workout, but with a greaterintensity when commanded to a lock the flywheel in place than whenmerely applying a resistance force for a workout. For example, a workoutresistance level will still allow the flywheels to move. However, alocking resistance level is sufficient to prevent any movement of theflywheels. As a result, the flywheels will remain in their lockedpositions despite an entire weight of a user being loaded to either thefirst foot pedal 34 or the second foot pedal 36. In such an example, themagnetic resistance device may automatically apply a maximum level ofresistance when the locking input mechanism 74 indicates that the userwants the foot pedals in a secured mode.

The locking mechanism 75 may also be adjacent to other locations on theelliptical exercise machine 10. For example, the locking mechanism 75may be positioned adjacent to and arranged to stop the movement of thecomponents of the crank assembly 22, the first track 33, the secondtrack 35, another component of the elliptical exercise machine 10, orcombinations thereof.

In some examples, the locking mechanism 75 is activated to secure theposition of the foot pedals into place as a default mode. In such anexample, the elliptical exercise machine 10 may be automatically set toa secured mode after a predetermined period of non-use.

In other examples, the elliptical exercise machine 10 may incorporate athreshold activation mechanism that senses when a user is about to mountthe elliptical exercise machine 10. In such an example, the ellipticalexercise machine 10 may sense when a predetermined weight or load isexceeded on the foot pedals. As a result of the predetermined weight orload being exceeded, the locking mechanism 75 automatically locks theposition of the foot pedals in place. In such an example, the footpedals may travel just a little distance along the reciprocating pathsbefore being stopped. Such a threshold activation mechanism may conservepower when the locking mechanism 75 incorporates a magnetic resistancedevice because the magnetic resistance is applied just at the momentswhen user is actually mounting the elliptical exercise machine 10. Insuch an example, the user may send a command through the control module62 to release the foot pedals.

The locking mechanism 75 may be programmed to operate based on userinput to secure and user input to release the foot pedals. In suchexamples, the user tells the locking mechanism 75 when to release andwhen to secure. In alternative examples, the locking mechanism 75 mayactivate for just a predetermined period of time that is long enough forthe user to get onto or off of the elliptical exercise machine 10. Forexample, the locking mechanism 75 may lock the foot pedals in place inresponse to determining that the user is getting onto the ellipticalexercise machine 10. The locking mechanism 75 may lock for apredetermined length of time between five seconds to sixty secondsbefore automatically releasing the foot pedals. In this manner, the userdoes not have to command the foot pedals to release. The user may havean option to select the predetermined time period.

In another example, the elliptical exercise machine 10 can determinewhen the user is ready for a workout before releasing the foot pedals.In such an example, the elliptical exercise machine 10 may include anaccelerometer that senses when the user is moving onto or off theelliptical exercise machine 10. When the accelerometer determines thatthe user has stopped moving, the locking mechanism 75 may release thefoot pedals. In another example, load sensors incorporated into the footpedals may determine when the user's weight is distributed across bothfoot pedals or when the weight of the user stabilizes between the footpedals. In yet another example, a camera or distance sensor may be usedto determine when the user's feet are on both of the foot pedals.

While this example has been described with reference to specificallyusing an automatic release based on a predetermined period of time withan automatic detection activation mechanism, such an automatic releasemechanism may be used with manually controlled activation mechanisms.Likewise, automatic activation mechanisms may be used with automaticrelease mechanisms.

The elliptical exercise machine 10 may include a locking mechanismstatus indicator to let the user know whether the elliptical exercisemachine 10 is in the secured mode or the operational mode. Such anindicator may include a message on the display 72, an light emittingdiode incorporated in the control module 62, the presence of apredetermined icon in the display 72, another type of mechanism, orcombinations thereof.

FIG. 3a illustrates a perspective view of an example of a lockingmechanism 75 in accordance with the present disclosure. In this example,the first flywheel 18 is positioned under the first foot pedal 34. Thefirst foot pedal 34 is connected to the first shaft 26 of the crankassembly 22.

Multiple holes 78 are formed near the periphery 80 of the first flywheel18. These holes 78 are spaced equidistantly from one another and arespaced so that a pin 82 of the locking mechanism 75 can protrude intothe voids formed by the holes 78. Each of the holes 78 represents anazimuthal position in which the foot pedals can occupy when theelliptical exercise machine 10 is in a secured mode. Such a pin 82 maybe moved into one of the holes 78 in response to a command from a remotelocation, such as the control module 62 or from either of the first armsupport 38 or the second arm support 42.

The pin 82 may be moved into the holes 78 with any appropriatemechanism. For example, the pin 82 may be part of a solenoid assembly 84as depicted in FIG. 3b . In the example of FIG. 3b , the lockingmechanism 75 includes a solenoid housing 86, an electrically conductivecoil 88, and an enclosed portion 90 of the pin 82. When the electricallyconductive coil 88 is electrically energized as a result of a command tosecure the position of the first flywheel 18, the electromagnetic forcesgenerated by the electrically conductive coil 88 move the pin 82 towardsand into one of the holes 78 formed in the first flywheel 18. As aresult, the first flywheel 18 is locked in place, which also locks eachof the components of the first mechanical linkage 40, the secondmechanical linkage 44, the crank assembly 22, the first foot pedal 34,the second foot pedal 36, the first arm support 38, and the second armsupport 42 in position. In some examples where there is an absence ofelectrical energy being applied to the electrically conductive coil 88after the pin 82 has been extended, the pin 82 will move back to aretracted position and release the first flywheel 18 from the lockingmechanism 75.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an example of a display 72 in accordancewith the present disclosure. In this example, the display 72 presents tothe user lock options 92. The display may be a touch screen display thatpresents a lock mode button 94 and an operational mode button 96. Thelocking mechanism 75 will be activated in response to the user selectingthe lock mode button 94. Likewise, the locking mechanism 75 will bereleased so that the user can work out with the elliptical exercisemachine 10 in response to the user selecting the operational modebutton.

FIG. 5 illustrates a view of a locking system 100 in accordance with thepresent disclosure. The locking system 100 may include a combination ofhardware and programmed instructions for executing the mechanisms of thelocking system 100. In this example, the locking system 100 includesprocessing resources 102 that are in communication with memory resources104. Processing resources 102 include at least one processor and otherresources used to process programmed instructions. The memory resources104 represent generally any memory capable of storing data such asprogrammed instructions or data structures used by the locking system100. The programmed instructions shown stored in the memory resources104 include an input receiver 106, a lock applier 108, a lock releaser110, a resistance level determiner 112, a resistance applier 114, and anon-use duration tracker 116.

The memory resources 104 include a computer readable storage medium thatcontains computer readable program code to cause tasks to be executed bythe processing resources 102. The computer readable storage medium maybe tangible and/or non-transitory storage medium. The computer readablestorage medium may be any appropriate storage medium that is not atransmission storage medium. A non-exhaustive list of computer readablestorage medium types includes non-volatile memory, volatile memory,random access memory, write only memory, flash memory, electricallyerasable program read only memory, magnetic storage media, other typesof memory, or combinations thereof.

The input receiver 106 represents programmed instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the processing resources 102 to detects when input fromlocking input mechanism 74 or the resistance input mechanism 76 isreceived. The lock applier 108 represents programmed instructions that,when executed, cause the processing resources 102 to cause the lockingmechanism 75 to activate. The lock applier 108 may activate the lock inresponse to a command based on user input or sensory input. Likewise,the lock releaser 110 represents programmed instructions that, whenexecuted, cause the processing resources 102 to cause the lockingmechanism to release the lock so that the user can move the first footpedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36.

The resistance level determiner 112 represents programmed instructionsthat, when executed, cause the processing resources 102 to determine thelevel of resistance that is currently applied to the resistancemechanism 118. The resistance applier 114 represents programmedinstructions that, when executed, cause the processing resources 102 toapply additional resistance or release resistance based on user inputthrough the resistance input mechanism 76.

The non-use duration tracker 116 represents programmed instructionsthat, when executed, cause the processing resources 102 to determine ifthe elliptical exercise machine 10 has been unused for a period thatexceeds a predetermined time threshold of inactivity. If such apredetermined time threshold has been reached, the lock applier 108 maycause the locking mechanism to secure the first foot pedal 34 and thesecond foot pedal 36 in place.

Further, the memory resources 104 may be part of an installationpackage. In response to installing the installation package, theprogrammed instructions of the memory resources 104 may be downloadedfrom the installation package's source, such as a portable medium, aserver, a remote network location, another location, or combinationsthereof. Portable memory media that are compatible with the principlesdescribed herein include DVDs, CDs, flash memory, portable disks,magnetic disks, optical disks, other forms of portable memory, orcombinations thereof. In other examples, the programmed instructions arealready installed in the elliptical exercise machine 10. Here, thememory resources 104 can include integrated memory such as a hard drive,a solid state hard drive, or the like.

In some examples, the processing resources 102 and the memory resources104 are located within the same physical component, such as theelliptical exercise machine 10, a server, or a network component. Thememory resources 104 may be part of the physical component's mainmemory, caches, registers, non-volatile memory, or elsewhere in thephysical component's memory hierarchy. Alternatively, the memoryresources 104 may be in communication with the processing resources 102over a network. Further, the data structures, such as the libraries orother repositories, may be accessed from a network location over anetwork connection while the programmed instructions are locatedlocally.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example of an activation method 120 for activatinga locking mechanism 75 in accordance with the present disclosure. Inthis example, the activation method 120 includes receiving 122 commandsto secure the positions of the first foot pedal 34 and the second footpedal 36 and increasing 124 the resistance setting of the resistancemechanism 118 to a maximum. In such an example, the locking mechanism 75is integrated with the resistance mechanism 118. As such, the lockingmechanism 75 may use the components of the resistance mechanism 118 tosecure the first foot pedal 34 and the second foot pedal 36 in place. Inexamples where the resistance mechanism 118 includes increasing amagnetic field to resist the movement of a flywheel, the lockingmechanism 75 may cause the resistance mechanism 118 to increase itsresistance to a maximum level or at least to a level that is sufficientto prevent movement of the flywheel even when a user's entire weight isloaded to either of the first foot pedal 34 or the second foot pedal 36.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a releasing method 126 for releasing alocking mechanism 75 in accordance with the present disclosure. In thisexample, the releasing method 126 includes receiving 128 a command torelease the foot pedals from the locking mechanism 75 and determining130 whether there was a pervious set resistance level. If there was nopreviously set resistance level, then the releasing method 126 includesadjusting 132 the resistance level to a default level. In some examples,the default level may be a zero resistance level. If there was apreviously set resistance level, the releasing method 126 includesreturning 134 the resistance to the previously set resistance level.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism 75 in accordance with the present disclosure. In thisexample, the locking mechanism 75 includes a spring loaded pin 136 thatis positioned to have a free end 138 inserted into a recess 140 formedin a flywheel 142. The recess 140 does not extend through the entirethickness 144 of the flywheel 142.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism 75 in accordance with the present disclosure. In thisexample, a first pad 146 and a second pad 148 are positioned adjacent tothe flywheel 142. In response to an appropriate command, the first pad146 and/or second pad 148 move toward the flywheel 142 and apply acompressive load to the flywheel 142 that is sufficient to prevent theflywheel's movement. In such an example, the compressive load to theflywheel 142 through the first and second pads 146, 148 may prevent theflywheel 142 from rotating due to friction. In some examples, the padsare felt pads. However, any appropriate material may be used on the padsto create friction and apply the compressive load to the flywheel 142.

In some examples, the outer surface of the flywheel 142 and/or first andsecond pads 146, 148 may include features that increase the frictionalinteraction between the two features. For example, the outer surface ofthe flywheel 142 and/or first and second pads 146, 148 may be knurled.In other examples, the flywheel and/or pads may include coatings, spraycoatings, grooves, rough surface finish, or other types of mechanismthat increase potential surface finish.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism 75 in accordance with the present disclosure. In thisexample, the flywheel 142 is shaped with recessed areas 150 thatinterlock with a face 152 of a movable plate 154 that moves into andinterlocks with the flywheel 142 based on a command to secure the footpedals 34, 36 in place.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism 75 in accordance with the present disclosure. In thisexample, the locking input mechanism 74 is in wireless communicationwith the locking mechanism 75 which is positioned adjacent to theresistance mechanism 118. In this embodiment, the user can controlwhether the elliptical exercise machine 10 is in a secured mode or anoperational mode from a remote location on the first arm support 38.Using a wireless communication interface between the locking inputmechanism 74 and the locking mechanism 75 simplifies manufacturingbecause wires do not have to be routed through or on the movingcomponents of the elliptical exercise machine 10. Both the locking inputmechanism 74 and the locking mechanism 75 may be equipped with wirelesstransceivers 156 that can communicate with each other.

In some examples, the wireless transceivers 156 may communicate withequipment that is not incorporated into the elliptical exercise machine10. In such examples, the user can operate the locking mechanism 75 withanother wireless device, such as a phone, a laptop, an electronictablet, a network component, another type of wireless device, orcombinations thereof. This enables the user to control the lockingmechanism 75 from areas that are some distance from the ellipticalexercise machine 10, such as in another room, in a different building,or another location. Further, the wireless transceivers 156 may enablethe user to check the status of the locking mechanism 75 from suchlocations as well.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative example of alocking mechanism 75 in accordance with the present disclosure. In thisexample, the locking input mechanism 74 includes a push button disposedwithin the support frame 14. A hydraulic or pneumatic line 157 runs fromthe locking input mechanism 74 to the locking mechanism 75. In theexample of FIG. 12, the locking mechanism 75 includes a pair ofcompression pads 158 that are arranged to move into and put the flywheel142 into a sufficient amount of compression to prevent the rotation ofthe flywheel 142 and therefore the movement of the first foot pedal 34and the second foot pedal 36.

In some examples, the resistance mechanism 76 may operate as a secondarylock. In such an example, if the locking mechanism 75 fails, theresistance mechanism 76 may lock foot pedals 34, 36 in place. In yetother examples, the other types of locking mechanisms may be used assecondary locks to back up a primary locking mechanism. The secondarylocks may activate when the primary lock activates, when commanded by auser, or when a primary lock fails.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective cut away view of an alternativeexample of a locking mechanism 75 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. In this example, a portion of the support frame 14 isremoved to reveal a slot 160 formed the pivot connection. FIG. 14illustrates a push rod 162 that can be supported by the cut away portionof the support frame 14. The push rod 162 can be pushed deep enough intothe support frame 14 such that a distal end 164 of the push rod movesinto the slot 160 and locks the position of the pivot connection withrespect to the support frame 14. When the distal end 164 is insertedinto the slot 160, the push rod 162 may be rotated about its centralaxis 166 such that a flange 168 formed in the distal end 164 locks thedistal end 164 in the slot 160. The push rod 162 can release the pivotconnection by rotating the push rod 162 to the orientation that itentered the slot 160 and either pulling the push rod out 162 of the slotor allowing a spring 170 or another mechanism to move the distal end 164of the push rod 162 away from the slot 160.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In general, the invention disclosed herein may provide a user with theadvantage of positionally locking the foot pedals in place while theuser is mounting or dismounting the elliptical exercise machine. Whilein a secured mode, the foot pedals do not move or shift while the userputs his or her entire weight onto a single foot pedal. As a result, theuser is in control of his center of gravity, and the user is more easilyable to mount the machine.

The location of the locking input mechanism provides an additionalelement of convenience because the user can control the lockingmechanism, which is often below his knees, while standing on the footpedals in an upright position. The user does not have to bend down orsquat to control the locking mechanism.

The examples described above include embodiments where the foot pedalscan be locked in any orientation. Thus, the user does not have to makepositional adjustments to get the foot pedals to be locked in place.

Also, some of the above described embodiments include instrumentationthat allows the exercise machines to secure and release the position ofthe foot pedals automatically based on sensed conditions. Such sensedconditions may include, but are not limited to, a duration ofinactivity, a weight loaded to a foot pedal, whether a person ismounting or dismounting the exercise machine, whether a child is playingon the exercise machine, other conditions, or combinations thereof.Further, such conditions can be determined based on timers,accelerometers, load cells, distance sensors, cameras, other types ofsensors, or combinations thereof.

The principles described in the present disclosure can be applied tomultiple types of elliptical exercise machines. For example, theseprinciples can be applied to elliptical exercise machines with multipleflywheels, a single flywheel, foot pedals that travel along pathsdefined by a crank assembly, foot pedals that travel along paths definedby a linear track, other types of elliptical exercise machines, orcombinations thereof. Further, the locking mechanism can lock anyappropriate type of component of the elliptical exercise machine that ismechanically linked to the foot pedals such that if the component islocked in place then the foot pedals will also be locked in place.

What is claimed is:
 1. An elliptical exercise machine, comprising: aframe; a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal movably attached tothe frame to travel along reciprocating paths; a resistance mechanismintegrated into the elliptical exercise machine to resist movement ofthe first foot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocatingpaths; a securing mechanism arranged to secure the first foot pedal andthe second foot pedal in place and prevent them from moving when thesecuring mechanism is in a secured mode; and the securing mechanismbeing in communication with a securing input mechanism located at aremote location from the resistance mechanism; wherein the resistancemechanism is in communication with a resistance input mechanism; whereinthe securing mechanism is arranged to switch between the secured modeand an operational mode where the first foot pedal and the second footpedal are released to travel in response to user input received throughthe securing input mechanism; and wherein the resistance input mechanismis independent of the securing input mechanism, wherein the securingmechanism is integrated into the resistance mechanism such that inresponse to the user input to be in the secured mode, the resistancemechanism exerts a resistance sufficient to secure the first foot pedaland the second foot pedal in position.
 2. The elliptical exercisemachine of claim 1, wherein the first foot pedal is mechanically linkedto a first arm support and the second foot pedal is mechanically linkedto a second arm support wherein the first arm support and the second armsupport move in a reciprocating motion as the first foot pedal and thesecond foot pedal travel along the reciprocating paths.
 3. Theelliptical exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanismis arranged to exert a magnetic resistance sufficient to secure thefirst foot pedal and the second foot pedal in position.
 4. Theelliptical exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the securing mechanismincludes a feature arranged to move into and secure a mechanical linkagemechanically connected the first foot pedal and the second foot pedal.5. The elliptical exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the securingmechanism includes a feature arranged to move into and interlock with aflywheel.
 6. The elliptical exercise machine of claim 1, wherein adefault mode of the securing mechanism is the secured mode.
 7. Theelliptical exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the securing inputmechanism is a button.
 8. The elliptical exercise machine of claim 1,wherein the securing mechanism includes a storage memory medium and aprocessor wherein the storage memory medium comprises programmedinstructions that, when executed by the processor, control when thesecuring mechanism is in the secured mode or in the operational mode. 9.The elliptical exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the programmedinstructions, when executed by the processor, cause the securingmechanism to switch to the secured mode in response to a predeterminedperiod of non-use.
 10. The elliptical exercise machine of claim 1,wherein the elliptical exercise machine comprises a second securingmechanism arranged to prevent the first foot pedal and the second footpedal from traveling.
 11. The elliptical exercise machine of claim 1,wherein the securing input mechanism is located proximate a console,near the console, on the console, in an arm guard, on a handgrip, on anupper portion of the frame of the elliptical exercise machine, orcombinations thereof.
 12. An elliptical exercise machine, comprising: aframe; a first foot pedal and a second foot pedal attached to the frameto travel along reciprocating paths; a resistance mechanism integratedinto the elliptical exercise machine to resist movement of the firstfoot pedal and the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths; alocking mechanism arranged to prevent the first foot pedal and thesecond foot pedal from moving when the locking mechanism is in a securedmode; the locking mechanism being in communication with a locking inputmechanism integrated into the elliptical exercise machine at a remotelocation from the resistance mechanism; and the locking mechanismincludes a storage memory medium and a processor wherein the storagememory medium comprises programmed instructions that, when executed bythe processor, switch the locking mechanism between the secured mode andan operational mode where the first foot pedal and the second foot pedalare released to travel in response to user input received through thelocking input mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is integratedinto the resistance mechanism such that in response to the user input tobe in the secured mode, the resistance mechanism exerts a resistancesufficient to scure the first foot pedal and the second foot pedalposition.
 13. The elliptical exercise machine of claim 12, wherein theresistance mechanism is in communication with a resistance inputmechanism in communication with the resistance mechanism to apply anamount of resistance to the travel of the first foot pedal and thesecond foot pedal where the resistance input mechanism is independent ofthe locking input mechanism.
 14. The elliptical exercise machine ofclaim 12, wherein the programmed instructions further cause the lockingmechanism to switch to the secured mode in response to a predeterminedperiod of non-use.
 15. The elliptical exercise machine of claim 12,wherein the locking input mechanism located proximate a console islocated near the console, on the console, in an arm guard, on handgrips,on an upper portion of the frame of the elliptical exercise machine, orcombinations thereof.
 16. The elliptical exercise machine of claim 12,wherein a default mode of the locking mechanism is the secured mode. 17.An elliptical exercise machine, comprising: a frame; a first foot pedaland a second foot pedal attached to the frame to travel alongreciprocating paths; a resistance mechanism integrated into theelliptical exercise machine to resist movement of the first foot pedaland the second foot pedal along the reciprocating paths; a lockingmechanism arranged to prevent the first foot pedal and the second footpedal from moving when the locking mechanism is in a secured mode; thelocking mechanism being in communication with a locking input mechanismintegrated into the elliptical exercise machine and located in a controlmodule arranged to control mechanisms of the elliptical exercisemachine; the locking mechanism includes a storage memory medium and aprocessor wherein the storage memory medium comprises programmedinstructions that, when executed by the processor, switch the lockingmechanism between the secured mode and an operational mode where thefirst foot pedal and the second foot pedal are released to travel inresponse to user input received through the locking input mechanism; theprogrammed instructions further cause the locking mechanism to switch tothe secured mode in response to a predetermined period of non-use; andthe locking mechanism is integrated into the resistance mechanism suchthat in response to the user input to be in the secured mode, theresistance mechanism exerts a resistance sufficient to secure the firstfoot pedal and the second foot pedal in position.